Pronator supinator wrist deviator exercise device

ABSTRACT

A pronation supination wrist deviator exercise device includes a handle having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and a head portion having a predetermined weight. The head portion or the handle are mounted for relative movement on the shaft between a first position and a second position. The head portion and the handle define a first distance. The predetermined weight of the head portion represents a first weight. The first weight multiplied by the first distance represents a first effective torque of the device. When the distance between the head portion and the distal portion of the handle is changed to at least a second distance, the first weight multiplied by the second distance represents at least a second effective torque of the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/130,049, filed Apr. 15, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/147,894, filed on Apr. 15,2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices and apparatuses fortherapeutic exercises and more particularly for devices and apparatusesfor pronation and supination and wrist deviator exercises.

BACKGROUND

Pronation and supination are a pair of unique movements possible only inthe forearms and hands, allowing the human body to flip the palm eitherface up or face down.

In both Physical and Occupational therapy, therapists have theirpatients perform exercises for injured rotator cuffs, tennis elbow, andgolf elbow. Accordingly such exercises are called Pronation andSupination.

For Tennis Elbow and Golf Elbow injuries or strengthening, the exercisesare performed sitting with the patient's forearm on their thigh. ForRotator Cuff injuries, the exercises are performed while standing withthe patient's elbow straight and arm out in front of them.

Another exercise to improve wrist strength requires a hammering motion.These exercises involve rotating the forearm and hand +/−90 degreeswhile holding a weight at the end of a levered arm (rod). This exerciseis called Wrist Deviator.

In all these exercises, it is desirable for the therapist to know howmuch “effective” weight at the end of the device the patient is using.

Another exercise to improve patient performance is called “FatigueTraining”. Where the patient starts with certain “effective” weightuntil they are exhausted and then the “effective” weight is quicklydecreased. The patient continues exercising until again exhausted. Thenthe “effective” weight is quickly decreased again and the patientcontinues the exercise regime.

It is also desirable to know the angle of rotation the patient was ableto achieve. Many such patients have sustained injuries that prevent full+/−90 degree rotation.

In other situations, the patient may be limited in how far he or sheshould rotate.

SUMMARY

It is desirable that patients or therapists can easily change the“effective” weight of the exercise. In this manner, the patient canstrengthen with higher effective weights. By knowing how much“effective” weight the patient is using, improvements can be tracked.

It is therefore desirable that the device be able to quickly change“effective” weight. As patients exercise and rotation angles improve, itis desirable to be able to compile that information as well as providefeedback to the user as the user performs these exercises. In all casesan angle indicator is needed for the therapist to see the angle thepatient was able to rotate their arm/hand.

To advance the state of the art of exercise therapy, in view of theforegoing, the present disclosure relates to a pronation supinationwrist deviator exercise device that includes a handle having a proximalportion and a distal portion; a shaft defining a longitudinal axisextending from a proximal end to a distal end; and a head portion havinga predetermined weight, the head portion or the handle mounted forrelative movement on the shaft between a first position and a secondposition.

In embodiments, the head portion and the handle on the shaft may definea first distance between the head portion and the distal portion of thehandle, wherein the predetermined weight of the head portion representsa first weight, the first weight multiplied by the first distancerepresenting a first effective torque of the pronation supination wristdeviator exercise device, and wherein the distance between the headportion and the distal portion of the handle is changed to at least asecond distance, the first weight multiplied by the at least a seconddistance representing at least a second effective torque of thepronation supination wrist deviator exercise device.

In embodiments, the head portion and the handle on the shaft may definea first distance between the head portion and the distal portion of thehandle, wherein the predetermined weight of the head portion is changedto at least a second weight, the at least a second weight multiplied bythe first distance representing at least a second effective torque ofthe pronation supination wrist deviator exercise device.

In embodiments, the head portion and the handle on the shaft may defineat least a second distance between the head portion and the distalportion of the handle, wherein the predetermined weight of the headportion is at least a second weight, the at least a second weightmultiplied by the at least a second distance representing at leastanother effective torque of the pronation supination wrist deviatorexercise device.

In embodiments, the head portion and the handle on the shaft may defineat least a second distance between the head portion and the distalportion of the handle, wherein the predetermined weight of the headportion is changed to at least a second weight, the at least a secondweight multiplied by the at least a second distance representing atleast another effective torque of the pronation supination wristdeviator exercise device.

In embodiments, the handle may further include a manually operablerelease collar that secures the handle to the shaft, the manuallyoperable release collar enabling a user to secure the handle to andrelease the handle from various positions on the shaft to adjustdistance between the proximal end of the handle and the head portion.

In embodiments, the exercise device may define a central plane throughthe handle and the head portion and a central line in the central planeextending through the handle and the head portion, wherein the exercisedevice is positionable by a user at an angle between the central line inthe central plane and a vertical line in space, the exercise devicefurther comprising an angle indicator indicating the angle between thecentral line in the central plane and a vertical line in space at whicha user has positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include an angle indicatorindicating the angle at which a user has positioned the exercise devicewhen the central plane is parallel to the vertical line in space.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include an angle indicatorindicating the angle at which a user has positioned the exercise devicewhen the central plane is perpendicular to the vertical line in space.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include an angle indicatorindicating the angle at which a user has positioned the exercise devicewhen the central plane is skewed to the vertical line in space.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may be a bubble indicator comprisinga plurality of stationary beads circumferentially disposed in a curvedpath wherein a bubble present in the bubble indicator moves to variablepositions indicating the angle between the central line in the centralplane and a vertical line in space at which a user has positioned theexercise device.

In embodiments, the exercise device may define a central plane throughthe handle and the head portion and a central line in the central planeextending through the handle and the head portion, wherein the exercisedevice is positionable by a user at an angle between the central planeand a vertical line in space, the exercise device further including anangle indicator indicating the angle between the central plane and avertical line in space at which a user has positioned the exercisedevice.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may be a bubble indicator thatincludes a transparent compartment having an outer surface and confininga volume of fluid extending from a portion of the central plane and aplurality of concentric circles disposed on the outer surface wherein abubble present in the bubble indicator moves to variable positionsindicating the angle between the central plane and the vertical line atwhich a user has positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may be a bubble indicator thatincludes at least one transparent tube having an outer surface andconfining a volume of fluid wherein the at least one transparent tube isparallel to the central line in the central plane extending through thehandle and the head portion, and wherein a bubble present in the bubbleindicator moves to variable positions indicating the angle between thecentral line in the central plane and a vertical line in space at whicha user has positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include at least one transparenttube having an outer surface and confining a volume of fluid wherein theat least one transparent tube defines a curved arc with respect to thecentral line in the central plane extending through the handle and thehead portion, and wherein a bead present in the at least one transparenttube moves to variable positions indicating the angle between thecentral line in the central plane and a vertical line in space at whicha user has positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include at least one transparenttube having an outer surface and confining a volume of fluid wherein theat least one transparent tube defines a circle with respect to thecentral line in the central plane extending through the handle and thehead portion, and wherein an arrow present in the at least onetransparent tube points to variable positions within the circleindicating the angle between the central line in the central plane and avertical line in space at which a user has positioned the exercisedevice.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include at least one transparenttube having an outer surface and confining a volume of fluid wherein theat least one transparent tube defines a circle with respect to thecentral line in the central plane extending through the handle and thehead portion, and wherein a bubble present in the at least onetransparent tube moves to variable positions indicating the anglebetween the central line in the central plane and a vertical line inspace at which a user has positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the exercise device may further include a processordisposed within the exercise device and a memory storing instructionsexecutable by the processor, wherein the instructions when executed bythe processor cause the processor to cause an electronically drivenarrow to point to variable positions that indicate the angle between thecentral line in the central plane and a vertical line in space at whicha user has positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the angle indicator may include a plurality ofstationary beads circumferentially disposed around a circle, and theinstructions when executed by the processor cause the electronicallydriven arrow to point to variable positions along the plurality ofstationary beads that indicate the angle between the central line in thecentral plane and a vertical line in space at which a user haspositioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the instructions when executed by the processor causethe processor to digitally indicate the angle between the central linein the central plane and a vertical line in space at which a user haspositioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the exercise device may further include a processordisposed within the exercise device and a memory storing instructionsexecutable by the processor, wherein the instructions when executed bythe processor cause the processor to digitally indicate the anglebetween the central plane and a vertical line in space at which a userhas positioned the exercise device.

In embodiments, the instructions when executed by the processor maycause the processor to digitally indicate a horizontal line on theelectronic angle indicator that is perpendicular to the central line inthe central plane.

In embodiments, the stationary beads may be electrical or electroniclights.

In embodiments, the instructions when executed by the processor maycause the processor to enable electrical communication of measurementsof the angle between the central line in the central plane and avertical line in space at which a user has positioned the exercisedevice to the processor of a separate electronic device.

In embodiments, the processor may be disposed in an internal volumedefined within the head portion.

In embodiments, the processor may be disposed in an internal volumedefined within the handle.

In embodiments, the processor may be disposed in an internal volumedefined within the head portion.

Again to advance the state of the art of exercise therapy, the presentdisclosure relates also to a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing a program which, when executed by a computer, causes thecomputer to perform a method for setting numerical values relating to atherapeutic exercise program for a user via an exercise device thatincludes a handle having a proximal portion and a distal portion; ashaft defining a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to adistal end; and a head portion having a predetermined weight, the headportion or the handle mounted for relative movement on the shaft betweena first position and a second position, wherein the method includessetting as a reference a vertical line in space and setting maximumtorque and angle motion levels compared to the reference vertical line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become moreappreciated and better understood when considered in conjunction withthe drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exercise device generally configured inthe form of a hammer according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is front view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 illustrating thatthe exercise device defines a central plane through the handle and thehead portion and a central line in the central plane extending throughthe handle and the head portion;

FIG. 3 is front view of the exercise device of FIG. 2 illustrating thatthe exercise device defines a central plane through the handle and thehead portion and a central line in the central plane extending throughthe handle and the head portion;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the exercise device of FIGS. 1-3illustrating that the exercise device defines a central plane throughthe handle and the head portion and a central line in the central planeextending through the handle and the head portion;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the exercise device of FIGS. 1-4illustrating that the exercise device defines a central plane throughthe handle and the head portion and a central line in the central planeextending through the handle and the head portion;

FIG. 6 illustrates the rear side of the exercise device wherein variousnumbers for “Setting”, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, may be displayed opposite“Effective Torque”;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial view of the exercise device in a positionfor wrist deviator exercises;

FIG. 8 illustrates another partial view of the exercise device in aposition for wrist deviator exercises;

FIG. 9 illustrates the exercise device in a position forpronation-supination exercises;

FIG. 10 illustrates the exercise device in another position forpronation-supination exercises;

FIG. 11A illustrates the exercise device held and manipulated by a userin a first position wherein an angle is formed between the vertical limeand the central line as the user maintains his or her elbow on his orher knee while the user is in a sitting position forpronation-supination exercises;

FIG. 11B illustrates the exercise device held and manipulated by a userin a first position wherein now another angle is formed between thevertical line and the central line while the user is in a standingposition and the user holds his or her elbow straight out forward forpronation-supination exercises;

FIG. 12 illustrates the exercise device being positionable by a user atvarious angles between the central plane and the vertical line in spacefor wrist deviator exercises;

FIG. 13A illustrates the head portion and the handle on the shaft definea first distance between the head portion and the distal portion of thehandle to define a first effective torque;

FIG. 13B illustrates the distance between the center of gravity of thehead portion and the distal portion of the handle is changed to at leasta second distance by adjusting the position of the handle on the shaftto a first proximal position to effect at least at least a secondeffective torque of the pronation supination wrist deviator exercisedevice;

FIG. 13C illustrates the distance between the center of gravity of thehead portion and the distal portion of the handle is changed to a thirddistance to effect a third effective torque of the pronation supinationwrist deviator exercise device;

FIG. 13D illustrates the distance between the center of gravity of thehead portion and the distal portion of the handle is changed to a fourthdistance to effect a fourth effective torque of the pronation supinationwrist deviator exercise device;

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the exercise devicewherein the angle indicator is a bubble indicator that includes at leastone transparent tube and wherein the device is oriented so that thecentral line in the central plane coincides with the vertical line;

FIG. 15 illustrates the alternate embodiment of the exercise device ofFIG. 14 wherein the device is oriented so that the central line in thecentral plane is perpendicular with respect to the vertical line;

FIG. 16 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the exercise devicewherein the angle indicator again includes at least one transparent tubebut which defines a curved arc containing a bead wherein the device isoriented so that the central line in the central plane coincides withthe vertical line;

FIG. 17 illustrates the alternate embodiment of the exercise device ofFIG. 16 wherein the device is oriented so that the central line in thecentral plane is perpendicular with respect to the vertical line;

FIG. 18 illustrates still another alternate embodiment of the exercisedevice wherein the angle indicator that includes at least onetransparent tube and an arrow present in the tubes points to variablepositions within the circle indicating the angle between the centralline in the central plane and vertical line in space at which a user haspositioned the exercise device and wherein the device is oriented sothat the central line in the central plane coincides with the verticalline;

FIG. 19 illustrates the alternate embodiment of the exercise device ofFIG. 18 wherein the device is oriented so that the central line in thecentral plane is perpendicular with respect to the vertical line;

FIG. 20 illustrates the exercise device of FIGS. 1-13D in a verticalposition with the handle above the head portion;

FIG. 21 illustrates the exercise device of FIGS. 1-13D in a horizontalposition;

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the exercise device whereinthe angle indicator includes electronic display, settings andmeasurements features;

FIG. 23 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 22 wherein theelectronic angle indicator is in electrical communication with anexternal wireless device:

FIG. 24A illustrates a partial view of the exercise device of FIGS. 22and 23 with the electronic angle indicator in a mode of operation in thesame position as shown in FIG. 12 for wrist deviator exercises;

FIG. 24B is a detailed view of the electronic angle indicator of theexercise device of FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the electronic angle indicatorincluding a processor or controller and an accelerometer that isdisposed within the exercise device of FIGS. 22-24B;

FIG. 26 illustrates a method of therapeutic exercise via a predeterminedweighted exercise device, such as the exercise devices of FIGS. 1-25that includes setting pronation and supination exercise levels for theexercise devices; and

FIG. 27 illustrates a method of therapeutic exercise via a predeterminedweighted exercise device, such as the exercise devices of FIGS. 1-25that includes setting wrist deviator exercise levels for the exercisedevices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the specification and in the accompanying drawings, reference is madeto particular features (including method steps or acts) of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure in thisspecification includes combinations of parts, features, or aspectsdisclosed herein. For example, where a particular feature is disclosedin the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the presentdisclosure, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to theextent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of otherparticular aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, and in thedisclosure generally.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps or acts, the defined steps or acts can be carried out inany order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes thatpossibility); and the method can include one or more other steps or actswhich are carried out before any of the defined steps or acts, betweentwo of the defined steps or acts, or after all the defined steps or acts(except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “application” in the disclosed embodiments refers to at least aprogram designed for end users of a computing device, such as a wordprocessing program, a database program, a browser program, a spreadsheetprogram, a gaming program, and the like. An application is distinct fromsystems programs, which consist of low-level programs that interact withthe computing device at a very basic level, such as an operating systemprogram, a compiler program, a debugger program, programs for managingcomputer resources, and the like.

The term “module” may refer to a self-contained component (unit or item)that is used in combination with other components and/or a separate anddistinct unit of hardware or software that may be used as a component ina system, such as a wireless or non-wireless communication system. Theterm “module” may also refer to a self-contained assembly of electroniccomponents and circuitry, such as a stage in a computer that isinstalled as a unit.

The implementations described herein may be implemented in, for example,a method or a process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream,or a signal. Even if only discussed in the context of a single form ofimplementation (for example, discussed only as a method), theimplementation of features discussed may also be implemented in otherforms (for example, an apparatus or program). An apparatus may beimplemented in, for example, appropriate hardware, software, andfirmware. The methods may be implemented in, for example, an apparatussuch as, for example, a processor, which refers to processing devices ingeneral, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, anintegrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. Processors alsoinclude communication devices, such as, for example, computers, cellphones, tablets, portable/personal digital assistants, and other devicesthat facilitate communication of information between end-users within anetwork.

The general features and aspects of the present disclosure remaingenerally consistent regardless of the particular purpose. Further, thefeatures and aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented insystem in any suitable fashion, e.g., via the hardware and softwareconfiguration of system or using any other suitable software, firmware,and/or hardware.

For instance, when implemented via executable instructions, variouselements of the present disclosure are in essence the code defining theoperations of such various elements. The executable instructions or codemay be obtained from a readable medium (e.g., a hard drive media,optical media, EPROM, EEPROM, tape media, cartridge media, flash memory,ROM, memory stick, and/or the like) or communicated via a data signalfrom a communication medium (e.g., the Internet). In fact, readablemedia may include any medium that may store or transfer information.

The computer means or computing means or processing means may beoperatively associated with the stereoscopic system, and is directed bysoftware to compare the first output signal with a first control imageand the second output signal with a second control image. The softwarefurther directs the computer to produce diagnostic output. Further, ameans for transmitting the diagnostic output to an operator of theverification device is included. Thus, many applications of the presentdisclosure could be formulated. The exemplary network disclosed hereinmay include any system for exchanging data or transacting business, suchas the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, WAN (wide area network), LAN(local area network), satellite communications, and/or the like. It isnoted that the network may be implemented as other types of networks.

Additionally, “code” as used herein, or “program” as used herein, may beany plurality of binary values or any executable, interpreted orcompiled code which may be used by a computer or execution device toperform a task. This code or program may be written in any one ofseveral known computer languages. A “computer,” as used herein, may meanany device which stores, processes, routes, manipulates, or performslike operation on data. A “computer” may be incorporated within one ormore transponder recognition and collection systems or servers tooperate one or more processors to run the transponder recognitionalgorithms. Moreover, computer-executable instructions include, forexample, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device toperform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executableinstructions also include program modules that may be executed bycomputers in stand-alone or network environments. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, and datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a pronation supination wrist-deviatorexercise device generally configured in the form of a hammer accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure.

More particularly, pronation supination wrist deviator exercise device100 includes a handle 102 having a proximal portion 102 a and a distalportion 102 b. Shaft 110 defines a longitudinal axis X-X that extendsfrom a proximal end 110 a to a distal end 110 b.

Head portion 120 has a predetermined weight. The head portion 120 or thehandle 102 are mounted for relative movement on the shaft 110 between afirst position and a second position.

The shaft 110 is illustrated in the form of, for example, a longitudinalrod having a first position 1121 that is distal from the proximal end110 a, a second position 1122 that is proximal to the proximal end 110 aas compared to first position 1121, and a third position 1123 that isstill further proximal to the proximal end 110 a as compared to bothfirst position 1121 and second position 1122. The first, second andthird positions 1121, 1122, 1123, respectively, may be represented bynotches formed in the shaft 110 at fixed distances between each other.

More particularly, the shaft 110 may have a total length X. Thirdposition 1123 is positioned proximally along axis X-X from proximal end110 a a distance X′. Second position 1122 is positioned proximally alongaxis X-X from third position 1123 a distance X₂₃. First position 1121 ispositioned proximally along axis X-X from second position 1122 adistance X₁₂. Distal end 110 b of shaft 110 extends a distance X₀₁ alongaxis X-X from first position 1121.

Head portion 120 defines, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, aflat-topped pyramidal configuration having six major sides whereinproximal flat surface 122 and distal flat surface 124 (See FIGS. 9 and10) are disposed parallel to one another and each orthogonally disposedwith respect to axis X-X of the shaft 110. The six major sides, whichinclude, in addition to proximal flat surface 122 and distal flatsurface 124, tapered lateral opposing sides 1261 and 1262, and frontsurface 1281 and rear surface 1282, define an internal volume 1202.Distal end 110 b of shaft 110 is received through an aperture 122′formed in proximal flat surface 122 that enables access to the internalvolume 1202 such that the shaft 110 can be advanced and retracted intoand out of the internal volume 1202 in the direction of axis X-X.Additionally, distal flat surface 124 may be formed in the configurationof a removable rectangular plate that also enables access to theinternal volume 1202.

In one embodiment, the distal end 110 b of the shaft 110 is secured tothe head portion 120 by being force fitted into the internal volume 1202through the aperture 122′. The distal end 110 b may be further securedto the head portion 120 within the internal volume 1202 via an adhesivematerial, e.g., cement that is utilized for weighting of the headportion 120, as described below. In one embodiment, the weight of thehead portion 120 may be increased or decreased by the addition orsubtraction, respectively, of material (not shown) inside the internalvolume 1202. The addition or subtraction of the material may be effectedby removal of the distal flat surface or plate 124 to access theinternal volume 1202. The material utilized may include a cement or castiron or other suitable material used for weighting such as in lampbases, etc.

The head portion 120, the shaft 110 and handle 102 may be made from ametal such as various grades of steel. Alternatively, a hard plasticsuch as PVC-polycarbonate, such as Palruf™ available from Palm Americas,Inc., Kutztown, Pa., USA, may be employed with a metal reinforcing rodembedded in the shaft 110 (for support). The handle 102 may be coatedwith thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) rubber which is a non-allergen typerubber available from, e.g., Polyone, Inc., Avon Lake, Ohio, USA, orcoated with silicone.

In one embodiment, the distal end 110 b of the shaft 110 is removablypositioned in the internal volume 1202 to enable changing of the headportion 120 and thus changing of the weight of the head portion 120 bysubstituting one head portion 120 with another head portion having adifferent weight.

In a similar manner as described above, also when the distal end 110 bof the shaft 110 is removably positioned in the internal volume 1202,the weight of the head portion 120 may be increased or decreased by theaddition or subtraction, respectively, of material (not shown) insidethe internal volume 1202. The addition or subtraction of the materialmay be effected by removal of the distal flat surface or plate 124 toaccess the internal volume 1202.

The shaft 110 defines a channel or groove 114 in a side 111 a of theshaft in the direction of the front surface 1281 of head portion 120 andwhich extends in the direction of axis X-X to at least span thedistances X₁₂ and X₂₃. The first, second and third positions 1121, 1122and 1123, respectively, are positioned along axis X-X either on lateralside 112 a of shaft 110 facing the direction of lateral side 1261 orfacing the direction of lateral side 1262 of head portion 120.

The handle 102 further defines an internal volume 104 to which access isenabled via an aperture 102′ formed at distal end 102 b of the handle102 that is configured to receive therein proximal end 110 a of theshaft 110 and the portion of the shaft that spans the various distancesX′, X₁₂ and X₂₃. The handle 102 includes a manually operable releasecollar 116 that engages with a rod-shaped button 118 that engages withinthe channel 114 to secure the position of the shaft 110 with respect tofirst, second and third positions 1121, 1122 and 1123, respectively.

Thus, the manually operable release collar 116 secures the handle 102 tothe shaft 110, thereby enabling a user to secure the handle 102 to andrelease the handle 102 from various positions on the shaft to adjustdistance, e.g., various distances X′, X₁₂ and X₂₃, between the proximalend 102 a of the handle 102 and the head portion 120.

Front surface 1281 of the head portion 120 further defines an aperture1281′, illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 as a circular aperture, thatis configured to receive an angle indicator gauge plate 150. The designof the entire angle indicator is described in more detail with respectto FIGS. 2 and 7-12 which follow below.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate that the exercise device 100 defines a centralplane CP through the handle 102 and the head portion 120 and a centralline CL in the central plane CP extending through the handle 102 and thehead portion 120.

FIG. 6 illustrates the rear side 1282 of the exercise device 100 whereinvarious numbers for “Setting”, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, may be displayedopposite “Effective Torque”, e.g. 0.40 ft-lbs, 0.47 ft-lbs, 0.54 ft-lbsand 0.62 ft-lbs. The settings and effective torque are described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B, the exercise device 100 ispositionable by a user at various angles between the central line CL inthe central plane CP and a vertical line VL in space. In FIG. 11A, theexercise device 100 is held and manipulated by a user U in a firstposition wherein an angle Φ1 is formed between the vertical lime VL andthe central line CL as the user U maintains his or her elbow on his orher knee KN while the user U is in a sitting position. Angles Φ1 and Φ2are also formed between the vertical line in space VL and vertical linein space AI″ drawn through bubble B in angle indicator 130, discussedfurther below, and which is parallel to the vertical line VL in space.The user U can also put his or her elbow and forearm on a table so asnot to use the shoulder. The exercise device 100 is then held andmanipulated by the user U to a second position wherein an angle Φ2 isformed between the vertical lime VL and the central line CL.

In FIG. 11B, the exercise device 100 is also held and manipulated byuser U in a first position wherein now an angle Φ1′ is formed betweenthe vertical line VL and the central line CL while the user U is in astanding position and the user U holds his or her elbow straight outforward. The exercise device 100 is then held and manipulated by theuser U to a second position wherein an angle Φ2′ is formed between thevertical lime VL and the central line CL. These exercises are calledpronation and supination. As a result, the angle indicator 130 indicatesone or more angles Φ1, Φ2, Φ1′ or Φ2′ at which the user U has positionedthe exercise device 100 when the central plane CP may be parallel to thevertical line VL in space. In a similar manner, angles Φ1′ and Φ2′ arealso formed between the vertical line in space VL and vertical line inspace AI″ drawn through bubble B in angle indicator 130, discussedfurther below, and which is parallel to the vertical line VL in space.

In FIG. 12, the exercise device 100 is positionable by user U at variousangles between the central plane CP and the vertical line VL in space.More particularly, the exercise device 100 is held and manipulated byuser U between a first position, not shown, wherein the central plane CPand the vertical line VL are parallel, as indicated by angle Θ1, to asecond position, as shown, wherein the central plane CP and the verticalline VL are perpendicular to one another, as indicated by angle Θ2.These exercises are called wrist deviator exercises.

As illustrated also in FIGS. 2 and 7-10, as described above, theexercise device 100 further includes angle indicator 130 indicating theangle between the central line CL in the central plane CP and thevertical line VL in space at which a user U has positioned the exercisedevice 100.

The angle indicator 130 may be a bubble indicator 132 that includes aplurality of stationary beads 134 of different colors circumferentiallydisposed in a curved path wherein bubble B present in the bubbleindicator 132 moves to variable positions wherein via a vertical line inspace AI′ drawn through the bubble B in the bubble indicator 132, andwhich is parallel to the vertical line VL, enables indicating the anglesΦ1, Φ2 and Φ1′, Φ2′ between the central line CL in the central plane CPand the vertical line VL in space at which the user U has positioned theexercise device 100.

Returning to FIGS. 7 and 8 in conjunction with FIG. 12, FIG. 7illustrates a partial view of the exercise device 100 in the positionshown in FIG. 12 for wrist deviator exercises. More particularly, inFIG. 7, the central plane CP of the exercise device 100 is coincidentwith a reference horizontal plane HP that is perpendicular to thereference vertical line VL in space.

A reference angle indicator line AI′ is drawn through the center C ofthe bubble indicator 132 and which is perpendicular to the central planeCP and, for the position shown, the angle indicator line AI′ isperpendicular to the reference horizontal plane HP. Therefore, the angleΘ1 in FIG. 12 is zero since the angle indicator line AI′ and thereference vertical line VL are parallel to one another. Therefore, thebubble B gravitates to the center C of the bubble indicator 132.Accordingly, the angle indicator 130 indicates angle Θ1 at which a userhas positioned the exercise device 100 when the central plane CP isperpendicular to the vertical line VL in space.

Thus, the bubble indicator 132 includes a plurality of stationary beads134 circumferentially disposed in a curved path wherein a bubble Bpresent in the bubble indicator 132 moves to variable positionsindicating the angle between the central line CL in the central plane CPand vertical line VL in space at which a user has positioned theexercise device 100.

In FIG. 8, the exercise device 100 is held and manipulated by a usersuch that the central plane CP is tilted at an angle Θ1′ with respect tothe horizontal plane HP. The reference vertical line VL, which is stillperpendicular to the horizontal plane HP, may now be considered to passthrough the center of the bubble B, which has now shifted away from thecenter C of the bubble indicator 132. Accordingly, the angle indicatorline AI′ and the reference vertical line VL also form the angle Θ1′ withrespect to each other. Since the bubble indicator 132 includes aplurality of concentric circles 136 with respect to the center C of thebubble indicator 132, the angle Θ1′ may be approximately read bydetermining to which concentric circle the bubble B shifts. Thus, theangle indicator 130 indicates angle Θ1′ at which a user has positionedthe exercise device 100 when the central plane CP is skewed to thevertical line VL in space.

The bubble indicator 132 includes a transparent compartment 135 havingan outer surface and confining a volume of fluid 138 extending from aportion of the central plane CP and the plurality of concentric circles136 disposed on the outer surface wherein the bubble B present in thebubble indicator 132 moves to variable positions indicating the variableangles Θ1, Θ1′ and Θ2 between the central plane CP and the vertical lineVL at which a user has positioned the exercise device.

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate various configurations of the exercise device100 to achieve different effective torques. More particularly, in FIG.13A, the head portion 120 and the handle 102 on the shaft 102 define afirst distance D1 between the head portion and the distal portion 102 bof the handle 102. The head portion 120 defines a center of gravity120CG1. When the distal portion of the handle 102 b is positioned at itsmost distal position X₀₁, the distal portion of the handle 102 b ispositioned almost contacting the proximal flat surface 122 to define thedistance D1 between the center of gravity 120CG1 of the head portion 120and the distal portion of the handle 102 b. A distance D1′ may furtherbe defined between the center of gravity 120CG1 of the head portion 120and the effective center of gravity 102CG of the shaft 110 and thehandle 102 b.

The predetermined weight of the head portion 120 represents a firstweight W1. The first weight W1 multiplied by the first distance D1represents a first effective torque T1 of the pronation supination wristdeviator exercise device 100.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the distance D1 between center of gravity 120CG1of the head portion 120 and the distal portion of the handle 102 b ischanged to at least a second distance D2, e.g., by adjusting theposition of the handle 102 b on the shaft 110 to first proximal position1121. The first weight W1 multiplied by second distance D2 represents atleast a second effective torque T2 of the pronation supination wristdeviator exercise device 100.

Thus, the head portion 120, having a predetermined weight W1 or thehandle 102 are mounted for relative movement on the shaft 110 between afirst position, e.g., as represented by distance D1, and a secondposition, e.g., as represented by distance D2.

A distance D2′ may further be defined between the center of gravity120CG1 of the head portion 120 and a first shifted effective center ofgravity 102CG′ of the shaft 110 and the handle 102 b.

Referring to FIG. 13C, the distance D2 between center of gravity 120CG1of the head portion 120 and the distal portion of the handle 102 b ischanged to a third distance D3, e.g., by adjusting the position of thehandle 102 b on the shaft 110 to second proximal position 1122. Thefirst weight W1 multiplied by third distance D3 represents a thirdeffective torque T3 of the pronation supination wrist deviator exercisedevice 100.

Thus, the head portion 120, having a predetermined weight W1 or thehandle 102 are mounted for relative movement on the shaft 110 between asecond position, e.g., as represented by distance D2, and a thirdposition, e.g., as represented by distance D3.

A distance D3′ may further be defined between the center of gravity120CG1 of the head portion 120 and a second shifted effective center ofgravity 102CG″ of the shaft 110 and the handle 102 b.

In FIG. 13D, the distance D3 between 120CG1 of the head portion 120 andthe distal portion of the handle 102 b is changed to a fourth distanceD4, e.g., by adjusting the position of the handle 102 b on the shaft 110to third proximal position 1123. The first weight W1 multiplied byfourth distance D4 represents a fourth effective torque T4 of thepronation supination wrist deviator exercise device 100.

Thus, the head portion 120, having a predetermined weight W1 or thehandle 102 are mounted for relative movement on the shaft 110 between athird position, e.g., as represented by distance D3, and a fourthposition, e.g., as represented by distance D4.

A distance D4′ may further be defined between the center of gravity120CG1 of the head portion 120 and a third shifted effective center ofgravity 102CG′″ of the shaft 110 and the handle 102 b.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that predetermined weight W1 maybe changed to a predetermined second weight W2 and that the effectivetorques can again be changed by multiplying the second weight W2 by thefirst, second, third and fourth distances D1, D2, D3 and D4,respectively. The weights may be changed further to third and fourthweights, etc. and additional effective torques can be realized.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an exercise device 100A that is identical toexercise device 100 except wherein the angle indicator 130 is a bubbleindicator 160 that includes at least one transparent tube, e.g. linearlyconfigured transparent tube 162 a and linearly configured transparenttube 162 b, having an outer surface with intermittent markings 164 andconfining a volume of fluid 166 wherein the one or more transparenttubes 162 a and 162 b are parallel to the central line CL in the centralplane CP extending through the handle 102 and the head portion 120. Abubble present B′ in the transparent tubes 162 a and 162 b of the bubbleindicators 160 moves to variable positions represented by theintermittent markings 164 indicating the angle between the central lineCL in the central plane CP and a vertical line VL in space at which auser has positioned the exercise device 100A.

In FIG. 14, the exercise device 100A is oriented so that the centralline CL in the central plane CP coincides with the vertical line VL sothe angle between the two lines is zero. Therefore, the bubbles B′ inthe transparent tubes 162 a and 162 b rise to the proximal end of thetubes.

In FIG. 15, the exercise device 100A is oriented so that the centralline CL in the central plane CP is perpendicular with respect to thevertical line VL so the angle α1 between the two lines is 90°.Therefore, the bubbles B′ in the transparent tubes 162 a and 162 bstabilize in the center of the tubes.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate another exercise device 100B that is alsoidentical to exercise device 100 except wherein the angle indicator 130is a bubble indicator 170 that again includes at least one transparenttube but which defines a curved arc, e.g., curved arc transparent tube172 a and curved arc transparent tube 172 b, having an outer surface andconfining a volume of fluid 176 wherein the one or more transparenttubes 172 a and 172 b are disposed on opposite sides of the central lineCL in the central plane CP extending through the handle 102 and the headportion 120. Instead of a bubble B′ as is present in the transparenttubes 162 a and 162 b of the bubble indicators 160, beads 174 a and 174b in tubes 172 a and 172 b, respectively, move to variable positionsagain indicating the angle between the central line CL in the centralplane CP and a vertical line VL in space at which a user has positionedthe exercise device 100B. Transparent tube 172 a has a distal end 1 aand a position 2 a that is closest to the central line CL. Similarly,transparent tube 172 b has a distal end 1 b and a position 2 b that isclosest to the central line CL. Thus, the one or more transparent tubes172 a and 172 b define a curved arc with respect to the central line CLin the central plane CP extending through the handle 102 and the headportion 120.

In FIG. 16, the exercise device 100B is oriented so that the centralline CL in the central plane CP coincides with the vertical line VL sothe angle between the two lines is zero. Therefore, the beads 174 a and174 b fall to the distal ends 1 a and 1 b of the transparent tubes 172 aand 172 b, respectively.

In FIG. 17, the exercise device 100B is oriented so that the centralline CL in the central plane CP is perpendicular with respect to thevertical line VL so the angle α1′ between the two lines is 90°.Therefore, the bead 174 a in the transparent tube 172 a falls to thelowest position of the tube, i.e., to position 1 a which is closest tothe central line C, while the bead 174 b falls to the distal end 1 b oftransparent tube 172 b.

Therefore, variable positions and angles α1′ can be measured via theangle indicator 170.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate still another exercise device 100C that isalso identical to exercise device 100 except wherein the angle indicator130 is a bubble indicator 180 that includes at least one transparenttube, e.g., transparent tubes 182 a and 182 b, each having an outersurface confining a volume of fluid 186 wherein the transparent tubes182 a and 182 b each defines a circle with respect to the central lineCL in the central plane CP extending through the handle 102 and the headportion 110. An arrow present in the one or more transparent tubes 182 aand 182 b, e.g., arrow 188 a in transparent tube 182 a and arrow 188 bin transparent tube 188 b, points to variable positions within thecircle indicating the angle α1″ between the central line CL in thecentral plane CP and vertical line VL in space at which a user haspositioned the exercise device 100C. More particularly, the angleindicators 182 a and 182 b each include a circular arc extending 180°from position 184 a to position 184 n.

In FIG. 18, the exercise device 100C is in a vertical position with thehandle 102 above the head portion 120 whereas in FIG. 19, the handle 102and the shaft 110 are in a horizontal position. More particularly, inFIG. 18, the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in avertical position wherein the handle 102 is above the head portion 120and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP is alignedwith the vertical line in space VL.

The circular arc extending circumferentially disposed in a curved patharound the bubble indicators 182 a and 182 b each further includes astationary bead 184′ that is disposed at the proximal most position ofthe circular bubble angle indicators 182 a and 182 b and in alignmentwith the central line CL.

When the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in thevertical position wherein the handle 102 is above the head portion 120and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP is alignedwith the vertical line in space VL as illustrated in FIG. 18, the arrows188 a and 188 b each remain at a position immediately below and alignedwith the stationary bead 184 and the central line CL. Accordingly, theangles Φ1 and Φ2 that are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B areequal to 180°.

In FIG. 19, the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 arein a horizontal position wherein the handle 102 is above the headportion 120 and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP isperpendicular to the vertical line in space VL. As noted, the circulararc extending circumferentially disposed in a curved path around thebubble indicators 182 a and 182 b extend in an arc of 180° on theperiphery of the distal semi-circular portion of the angle indicators182 a and 182 b wherein a line HL drawn across the angle indicators 182a and 182 b from positions 184 a to 184 n is perpendicular to thecentral line CL and position 184 g is aligned with the central line CL.Thus, the arcs defined by positions extending from 184 a to . . . 184 gand from 184 g to . . . 184 n are each 90° wherein the positions 184 aand 184 n are each at the most extreme lateral positions from centralline CL.

When the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in thehorizontal position illustrated in FIG. 19, the fluid level remainsperpendicular with respect to the vertical line VL such that the arrows188 a and 188 b each point to a position immediately below the mostextreme position 184 n of each angle indicator 182 a and 182 b.Accordingly, angle α1″ between the central line CL and the vertical linein space VL is equal to 90°. Thus, the arrows 188 a and 188 b willalways point upwards in parallel to the vertical line in space VL. Thearcs always move as the exercise device 100C is moved while the level ofthe fluid 186 remains perpendicular to the vertical line VL.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the exercise device 100 that has beendescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1-13D in a vertical position withthe handle 102 above the head portion 120 and in a horizontal position,respectively. More particularly, in FIG. 20, the handle 102, the shaft110 and the head portion 120 are in a vertical position wherein thehandle 102 is above the head portion 120 and such that the central lineCL in the central plane CP is aligned with the vertical line in spaceVL.

The plurality of stationary beads 134 of different colorscircumferentially disposed in a curved path around the bubble indicator130 further includes a stationary bead 134′ that is disposed at theproximal most position of the circular bubble angle indicator 130 and inalignment with the central line CL.

When the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in thevertical position wherein the handle 102 is above the head portion 120and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP is alignedwith the vertical line in space VL as illustrated in FIG. 20, the bubbleB shifts and stabilizes at a position immediately below and aligned withthe stationary bead 134 and the central line CL. Accordingly, the anglesΦ1 and Φ2 that are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B are equal to180°.

In FIG. 21, the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 arein a horizontal position wherein the handle 102 is above the headportion 120 and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP isperpendicular to the vertical line in space VL. The plurality ofconcentric beads 134 on the bubble angle indicator 130 extend in an arcof 180° on the periphery of the distal semi-circular portion of theangle indicator 130 to include beads 134 a . . . 134 n wherein a line HLdrawn across the angle indicator 130 from bead 134 a to bead 134 n isperpendicular to the central line CL and bead 134 g is aligned with thecentral line CL. Thus, the arcs defined by beads 134 a to 134 g andbeads 134 g to 134 n are each 90° and the beads 134 a and 134 n each atthe most extreme lateral position from central line CL.

When the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in thehorizontal position illustrated in FIG. 21, the bubble B rises to aposition immediately below the most extreme bead 134 n. Accordingly, theangles Φ1 and Φ2 that are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B areequal to 90°.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the exercise device 100 that has beendescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1-13D in a vertical position withthe handle 102 above the head portion 120 and in a horizontal position,respectively. More particularly, in FIG. 20, the handle 102, the shaft110 and the head portion 120 are in a vertical position wherein thehandle 102 is above the head portion 120 and such that the central lineCL in the central plane CP is aligned with the vertical line in spaceVL.

The plurality of stationary beads 134 of different colorscircumferentially disposed in a curved path around the bubble indicator130 further includes a stationary bead 134′ that is disposed at theproximal most position of the circular bubble angle indicator 132 and inalignment with the central line CL.

When the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in thevertical position wherein the handle 102 is above the head portion 120and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP is alignedwith the vertical line in space VL as illustrated in FIG. 20, the bubbleB shifts and stabilizes at a position immediately below and aligned withthe stationary bead 134 and the central line CL. Accordingly, the anglesΦ1 and 02 that are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B are equal to180°.

In FIG. 21, the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 arein a horizontal position wherein the handle 102 is above the headportion 120 and such that the central line CL in the central plane CP isperpendicular to the vertical line in space VL. The plurality ofconcentric beads 134 on the bubble angle indicator 130 extend in an arcof 180° on the periphery of the distal semi-circular portion of theangle indicator 130 to include beads 134 a . . . 134 n wherein a line HLdrawn across the angle indicator 130 from bead 134 a to bead 134 n isperpendicular to the central line CL and bead 134 g is aligned with thecentral line CL. Thus, the arcs defined by beads 134 a to . . . 134 gand beads 134 g to . . . 134 n are each 90° and the beads 134 a and 134n each at the most extreme lateral position from central line CL.

When the handle 102, the shaft 110 and the head portion 120 are in thehorizontal position illustrated in FIG. 21, the bubble B rises to aposition immediately below the most extreme bead 134 n. Accordingly, theangles Φ1 and Φ2 that are illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B areequal to 90°. Thus, if an arrow is drawn from the center C of the angleindicator 130 to the bubble B, the arrow will always point upwards inparallel to the vertical line in space VL. The arc of beads 134 a . . .134 n always moves as the exercise device 100 is moved.

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the exercise device 100wherein the angle indicator includes electronic display, settings andmeasurements features. More particularly, exercise device 200 isidentical to exercise device 100 described above with respect to FIGS.1-13D and 20-21 but which now includes an electronic angle indicator230. In a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 20-21,exercise device 200 includes a handle 202 that is identical to handle102 of exercise devices 100, 100A, 100B and 100C, a shaft 210 that isidentical to shaft 110 and includes the features related to shaft 110and is not discussed further.

In view of the foregoing description in FIGS. 1-21 of the exercisedevices 100, 100A, 100B and 100C, the angle indicator 130 and furtherrepresented by mechanical angle indicators 132, 160, 170 AND 180? enablemeasurement of the variable angles Φ1, Φ1′, Φ2, Φ2′ between the centralline CL in central plane CP and the vertical line VL in space, andfurther enable measurement of the variable angles Θ1, Θ1′ and Θ2 betweenthe central plane CP and the vertical line VL in space at which a userhas positioned the exercise device.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize and understand with respectto the foregoing description in FIGS. 1-21 of the exercise devices 100,100A, 100B and 100C that the mechanical angle indicator 130 and furtherrepresented by mechanical angle indicators 160, 170 and 180 enablevarious methods of therapeutic exercise using the various devices thatinclude mechanical angle indicators and also enable a method ofmanufacturing the exercise devices 100, 100A, 100B and 100C thatincludes the mechanical angle indicator 130 and respectively themechanical angle indicators 160, 170 and 180.

FIGS. 22-23 illustrate exercise device 200 which is mechanicallyidentical to the exercise devices 100, 100A, 100B and 100C describedabove except for certain differences that are described below. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize the similarities between exercisedevice 200 and exercise devices 100, 100A, 100B and 100C describedabove, so that only those features of exercise device 200 deemedessential to illustrate differences are described in detail herein.

Thus, exercise device 200 differs from the exercise devices 100, 100A,100B and 100C in that exercise device 200 includes an electronic angleindicator 2300.

The exercise device 200 again includes handle 202 that is identical tohandle 102, except as described herein, and which has a proximal portion202 a and a distal portion 202 b. In a similar manner as shaft 110 thatdefines longitudinal axis X-X that extends from proximal end 110 a todistal end 110 b, shaft 210 also defines a longitudinal axis (not shown)that extends from a proximal end (not shown) to a distal end (notshown).

In a similar manner, head portion 220 has a predetermined weight. Thehead portion 220 or the handle 202 are mounted for relative movement onthe shaft 210 between a first position and a second position asdescribed above. Therefore, the predetermined weights W1, W2, W3 anddistances D1, D2, D3, D4 are applied in the same manner to produce theeffective torques T1, T2, T3, T4 for the Settings 1, 2, 3, 4 as shown inFIG. 6.

In a similar manner as described above with respect to electronic device100 in FIGS. 20 and 21, the electronic angle indicator 2300 includes aplurality of concentric beads 234 on the angle indicator 2300 thatextend in an arc of 180° on the periphery of the distal semi-circularportion of the angle indicator to include beads 234 a . . . 234 nwherein line HL drawn across the angle indicator 2300 from bead 234 a tobead 234 n is perpendicular to the central line CL and bead 234 g isaligned with the central line CL. Thus, the arcs defined by beads 234 ato 234 g and beads 234 g to 234 n are each 90° and the beads 234 a and234 n each at the most extreme lateral position from central line CL. Ina similar manner to stationary bead 134′, stationary bead 234′ isdisposed at the proximal most position of the circular electronic angleindicator 2300 and in alignment with the central line CL.

As also described above for FIGS. 20-21 and mechanical angle indicator130 regarding if an arrow is drawn from the center C of the angleindicator 130 to the bubble B, the arrow will always point upwards in adirection parallel to the vertical line in space VL and that the arc ofbeads 134 a . . . 134 n always moves as the exercise device 100 ismoved.

In a similar manner to the concept of the arrow, electronic angleindicator 2300 includes a series of dots 236 a . . . 236 n with 6 dotsshown as an example. The dots are analogous to the arrow drawn betweenthe center C of the bubble angle indicator 132 and the bubble B.Therefore, the dots point to the position on the arc of beads 234 a . .. 234 n that represents the angle Φ1 between the arrow represented bythe dots 236 a . . . 236 n, and which are parallel to the vertical linein space VL, and the central line CL in the central plane CP. In theexample shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the angle Φ1 is approximately 45° andis digitally displayed on the angle indicator 2300.

In the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8,FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate a partial view of the exercise device 200with the electronic angle indicator 2300 in a mode of operation in thesame position as shown in FIG. 12 for wrist deviator exercises using theexercise device 100 with the mechanical bubble angle indicator 132. Moreparticularly, in FIG. 24A, the central plane CP of the exercise device200 is coincident with reference horizontal plane HP that isperpendicular to the reference vertical line VL in space.

In a similar manner, the reference angle indicator line AI′ is drawnthrough the center C of the electronic angle indicator 2300 and which isperpendicular to the central plane CP and, for the position shown, theangle indicator line AI′ is perpendicular to the reference horizontalplane HP. Therefore, the angle Θ1 in FIG. 24 is also zero since theangle indicator line AI′ and the reference vertical line VL are parallelto one another.

A reference horizontal line HL is drawn through beads 234 a and 234 n sothat the horizontal line HL is a reference line that is perpendicular tothe central line CL Accordingly, the angle Θ2 in FIG. 24 is 90°.

In embodiments, the beads in the arc of beads 234 may be electrical orelectronic lights that illuminate to coincide with the position of thearrow and therefore the angle measurement (for FIGS. 22 and 23).

Referring also to FIGS. 22 and 25, the electronic angle indicator 2300includes a processor or controller 2130 that is disposed within theexercise device 200, e.g., either within the head portion 220 or withinhandle 202′ as electronic angle indicator 2300′ in shaft 202′ which isan extended version of shaft 202.

The electronic angle indicators 2300 and 2300′ are configured andfunction in a similar manner to other devices known in the art such asthe input device described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,549“INPUT DEVICE FOR USING GEOMAGNETIC SENSOR AND A METHOD THEREOF FORGENERATING INPUT SIGNAL”, by Cho et al., the entire contents of whichare incorporated by reference herein, and as further modified by morerecent developments in accelerometers which now enable measurement ofboth static acceleration to determine the angle at which the exercisedevice 200 is tilted with respect to the earth's axis of rotation anddynamic acceleration that determines the relative motion of the devicewith respect to the angle at which the exercise device 200 is tiltedwith respect to the earth's axis of rotation. In the state of the artaccelerometers, the function of the geomagnetic sensor may now beperformed by a 3-dimensional (3D) accelerometer, such as, for example, aBuffered 3D Accelerometer, Model No. DE-ACCM3D, manufactured byDimension Engineering, Hudson, Ohio, USA.

In embodiments, turning to FIG. 25, electronic angle indicators 2300 and2300′ include a processor or controller 2130, an accelerometer 2140, amemory 2150 and user input 2160.

The processor or controller 2130 compares a current azimuth to aprevious azimuth stored in the memory 2150, thereby determining arotation degree.

The accelerometer 2140 includes and X-axis accelerometer, a Y-axisaccelerometer and a Z-axis accelerometer perpendicularly mounted to eachother to calculate the various angles using the voltage measured by theaccelerometer 2140 of each axis.

To select exercise settings as described below with respect to FIGS. 26and 27, the user input 2160 may include direction keys and numeric keysor may include a touch screen or voice activated input. The user input2160 may include a wireless interface device 2400 having a controller2410 that communicates wirelessly with the processor or controller 2130.The wireless controller 2410 is in electrical communication withwireless device memory 2420 that may reside in the wireless interfacedevice 2400 or may be memory stored in an external server (e.g., “thecloud”).

Besides the threshold, the memory 2150 stores information on theprevious azimuth, a normalizing factor, maximum and minimum values ofthe X-axis output, Y-axis and Z-axis output (the vertical line VL inspace), and the sensitivity.

Thus, the processor or controller 2130 or 2410 is configured to executeinstructions in real time to cause electronically driven arrow 236 topoint to variable positions that indicate the angle between the centralline in the central plane and a vertical line in space at which a userhas positioned the exercise device.

The processor or controller 2130 or 2410 can be a processor,microcontroller, a system on chip (SOC), field programmable gate array(FPGA), etc. Collectively the one or more components, which can includea processor, microcontroller, SOC, and/or FPGA, for performing thevarious functions and operations described herein are part of acontroller, as recited, for example, in the claims. The controller maybe provided as a single integrated circuit (IC) chip which may bemounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, thevarious circuit components of the controller, including, for example,the processor, microcontroller, etc. are provided as one or moreintegrated circuit chips. That is, the various circuit components arelocated on one or more integrated circuit chips.

The settings, countdowns, measurements, signals and displays may beentirely or partially established in the processor 2130 of theelectronic angle indicators 2300 or 2300′ on the electronic exercisedevice 200 itself or else established entirely or partially in theprocessor 2410 of the wireless interface device 2400 and the bothprocessors 2130 and 2410 are in electrical communication with oneanother to ascertain the settings, countdowns, measurements, signals anddisplays established in the other processor.

Thus, some of the foregoing features may be available as a stand-aloneon the electronic exercise device 200 itself and some must be used withthe wireless interface device 2400. For example, the audio signal may begenerated from the electronic exercise device 200 itself and thecountdown from the wireless interface device 2400, etc.

Wrist Deviator is a hammering motion. So, for a patient, it is desirableto get the full range of motion where the exercise device is initiallyaligned with the vertical line in space VL and then be moved to alignwith the horizontal plane HP in a hammering motion in an arc of 90°.Persons with injuries may be unable to perform such a range of motionand are only able to move the exercise device to a limited degree, e.g.,only 45°.

Supination and Pronation involve the rotation of the exercise device ina clockwise and counter-clockwise motion from −90° to +90°. Again,persons with injuries may be unable to perform such a range of motionand may only able to move the exercise device to a limited degree, e.g.,only 45°.

A therapist may set the MAX angle wishes the patient to go for anyexercise. For pronation/supination, the therapist may set the device toproduce a signal when it rotates −70 degrees and +60 degrees. Thesettings do not need to be symmetrical. Some patients are recoveringfrom an injury and the therapist may not desire exercising for the full+90/−90 degrees. Once the patient has gone that far, the unit mayproduce a beep (either on the wireless interface device or on theexercise device itself). Therefore, the patient would know he or she hasaccomplished the MAX torque and/or angle level he or she should go. Thepatient may then exercise in the other direction until he or she hears abeep. The exercise cycle may then be repeated.

In VISUAL signal mode, the patient can see the angle that should beaccomplished, at any one time, by looking at the screen on the exercisedevice or on the wireless interface device. So, in a similar manner asthe above example, the patient may only be supposed to reach −70 degreesand is only able to reach 65 degrees as seen by the line on the screen(and text).

As for COUNTDOWN, the therapist may ask the patient to perform theexercise 10 times. After each clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation,the wireless device can say, “10”, then “9” after the next complete set,then “8”, etc. . . . until “Completed” is heard.

Again, the exercise routines and settings possible to be established onthe exercise device and on the wireless interface device are flexibleand able to be customized for the individual patient's requirements.

FIG. 26 illustrates a method 2500 of therapeutic exercise via apredetermined weighted exercise device, such as the exercise devices100, 100A, 100B, 100C or 200 that includes, after a start 2501, a stepof 2502 of setting a reference as a vertical line in space, e.g.,reference vertical line VL in space as described with respect to FIGS.7-12, etc. The method includes step 2504 of setting maximum and minimumpronation and supination torque levels, e.g., T1=W1×D1, T2=W1×D2,T3=W1×D3, T4=W1×D4, etc. and angle motion levels, e.g. angles Φ1, Φ1′,etc. and α1, α1′, α1″, etc. compared to the reference vertical line VLthat is imagined in space or set in a processor or control part, e.g.,processor or control part 2130 of electronic angle indicator 2300 or2300′, or processor or control part 2410 of separate wireless interfacedevice 2400, etc.

In embodiments, the method may further include step 2506 of setting,when applicable in the processor or control part 2130 or 2410, thenumber of repetitions desired for the pronation-supination exercises.

In embodiments, the method may further include step 2508 of setting,when applicable in the processor or control part, an initiation point orinitiation points for audio signals according to maximum desiredpronation and supination levels set in step 2504 and maximum number ofrepetitions set in step 2506.

In embodiments, the method may further include step 2510 of setting,when applicable in the processor or control part, an audio countdown fortime duration of the foregoing pronation-supination exercises.

In embodiments, the method may further include step 2512 of setting,when applicable in the processor or control part, maximum values forsome or all of the foregoing pronation-supination exercises.

In embodiments, the method may further include step 2514 of eitherending setting of the pronation and supination levels of the foregoingsteps 2501 to 2512 and initiating exercises including countdowns,measurements and displays via the mechanical exercise devices 100, 100A,100B, 100C or electronic exercise device 200 or initiating wristdeviator settings for those devices.

FIG. 27 illustrates method 2500′ of therapeutic exercise via apredetermined weighted exercise device, such as the exercise devices100, 100A, 100B, 100C or 200 that either is a continuation 2500′ of themethod 2500 of step 2514 wherein in step 2500′, the pronation andsupination settings have been completed or wrist deviator settings ofthe exercise devices 100, 100A, 100B, 100C or 200 are initiatedindependently. The method 2500′ may include a step 2502′ of setting areference as a vertical line in space, e.g., reference vertical line VLin space as described with respect to FIGS. 7-12, etc., or verifying thereference setup of step 2502 in FIG. 26.

The method 2500′ includes step 2504′ of setting maximum and minimumwrist deviator torque levels, e.g., T1=W1×D1, T2=W1×D2, T3=W1×D3,T4=W1×D4, etc. and angle motion levels, e.g. angles Θ1, Θ2 etc. comparedto the reference vertical line VL that is imagined in space or set in aprocessor or control part, e.g., processor or control part 2130 ofelectronic angle indicator 2300 or 2300′ or 2300 or 2300′, or processoror control part 2410 of wireless interface device 2400, etc.

In embodiments, the method 2500′ may further include step 2506′ ofsetting, when applicable in the processor or control part 2130 or 2410,the number of repetitions desired for the wrist deviator exercises.

In embodiments, the method 2500′ may further include step 2508′ ofsetting an initiation point or initiation points for audio signalsaccording to maximum desired wrist deviator levels set in step 2504′ andmaximum number of repetitions set in step 2506′.

In embodiments, the method 2500′ may further include step 2510′ ofsetting an audio countdown for time duration of the foregoing wristdeviator exercises.

In embodiments, the method 2500′ may further include step 2512′ ofsetting maximum values for some or all of the foregoing wrist deviatorexercises.

In embodiments, the method 2500′ may further include step 2514′ ofending the setting of the wrist deviator levels of the foregoing steps2501′ to 2512′ and initiating the wrist deviator exercises includingcountdowns, measurements and displays via the mechanical exercisedevices 100, 100A, 100B, 100C or electronic exercise device 200.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the angle measurements forthe various exercise devices described above may be imagined by assumingthat the vertical line in space VL is the Z-axis of an X-Y-Z axiscoordinate system wherein the pronation-supination exercises involve yawmeasurements or deviations in the Y-Z plane from the Z-axis while thewrist deviator exercises involve pitch measurements or deviations in theX-Z plane from the Z-axis.

It should be noted also that the steps relating to setting levels andmaximum settings in methods 2500 and 2500′ may generally be performed inany order convenient for the user and not necessarily in the sequencesillustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27.

Although the present disclosure has been described in considerabledetail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments andversions are possible and contemplated. Therefore, the spirit and scopeof the appended claims should not be limited to the description of theembodiments contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pronation supination wrist deviator exercisedevice comprising: a handle having a proximal portion and a distalportion; a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending from a proximalend to a distal end; a head portion having a predetermined weight, thehead portion or the handle mounted for relative movement on the shaftbetween a first position and a second position, wherein the exercisedevice defines a central plane through the handle and the head portionand a central line in the central plane extending through the handle andthe head portion, and wherein the exercise device is positionable by auser at an angle between the central line in the central plane and avertical line in space; an angle indicator indicating the angle betweenthe central line in the central plane and the vertical line; a processordisposed within the exercise device; and a memory storing instructionsexecutable by the processor, wherein the instructions, when executed bythe processor, cause the processor to cause an electronically drivenarrow to point to variable positions that indicate the angle between thecentral line in the central plane and the vertical line, and wherein theangle indicator comprises a plurality of stationary beadscircumferentially disposed around a circle.
 2. The exercise deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the instructions when executed by theprocessor cause the electronically driven arrow to point to variablepositions along the plurality of stationary beads that indicate theangle between the central line in the central plane and a vertical linein space at which a user has positioned the exercise device.
 3. Theexercise device according to claim 2, wherein the instructions whenexecuted by the processor cause the processor to digitally indicate theangle between the central line in the central plane and a vertical linein space at which a user has positioned the exercise device.
 4. Theexercise device according to claim 2, wherein the stationary beads areelectrical or electronic lights.
 5. The exercise device according toclaim 1, further comprising a processor disposed within the exercisedevice and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor,wherein the instructions when executed by the processor cause theprocessor to digitally indicate the angle between the central plane anda vertical line in space at which a user has positioned the exercisedevice.
 6. The exercise device according to claim 5, wherein theinstructions when executed by the processor cause the processor todigitally indicate a horizontal line on the electronic angle indicatorthat is perpendicular to the central line in the central plane.
 7. Theexercise device according to claim 5, wherein the processor is disposedin an internal volume defined within the head portion.
 8. The exercisedevice according to claim 5, wherein the processor is disposed in aninternal volume defined within the handle.
 9. The exercise deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the instructions when executed by theprocessor cause the processor to enable electrical communication ofmeasurements of the angle between the central line in the central planeand a vertical line in space at which a user has positioned the exercisedevice to the processor of a separate electronic device.
 10. Theexercise device according to claim 1 wherein the processor is disposedin an internal volume defined within the head portion.
 11. The exercisedevice according to claim 1 wherein the processor is disposed in aninternal volume defined within the handle.
 12. A non-transitory computerreadable storage medium storing a program which, when executed by acomputer, causes the computer to perform a method for setting numericalvalues relating to a therapeutic exercise program for a user via anexercise device comprising: a handle having a proximal portion and adistal portion; a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extending from aproximal end to a distal end; and a head portion having a predeterminedweight, the head portion or the handle mounted for relative movement onthe shaft between a first position and a second position, the methodcomprising: setting as a reference, a vertical line in space;determining a maximum torque level and a maximum angle motion levelbased on the vertical line referenced; setting the maximum torque leveland the maximum angle motion level compared to the vertical linereferenced; and displaying the maximum angle motion level on an angleindicator of the exercise device.
 13. A pronation supination wristdeviator exercise device comprising: a handle having a proximal portionand a distal portion; a shaft defining a longitudinal axis extendingfrom a proximal end to a distal end; a head portion having apredetermined weight, the head portion or the handle mounted forrelative movement on the shaft between a first position and a secondposition; and an angle indicator comprising a plurality of stationarybeads circumferentially disposed around a circle, wherein the exercisedevice defines a central plane through the handle and the head portionand a central line in the central plane extending through the handle andthe head portion, wherein the exercise device is positionable by a userat an angle between the central line in the central plane and a verticalline in space, and wherein the angle indicator indicates the anglebetween the central line in the central plane and the vertical line.